Tourism Controversy as Philippines Ranked 'Least Safe'; Department of Tourism Reacts

[snoop1130]

Photo courtesy of PhilStar

 

The Department of Tourism (DOT) in the Philippines is pressing insurance firm HelloSafe for more than just an apology following a controversial report. The firm recently ranked the Philippines as the "least safe" country in the world, sparking widespread concern and a swift retraction.

 

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco has taken a firm stance, calling for transparency and accountability. She's written to HelloSafe's founder, Antoine Fruchard, to address the "false and misleading" report. Frasco stressed that such publications disguise as safety indices can cause undue alarm and harm the nation's reputation.

 

While HelloSafe has apologised for its report and removed the contentious section from its travel safety index, the impact lingers. The firm initially listed the Philippines, Colombia, and Mexico as the three most dangerous nations, citing high societal violence. Following backlash, HelloSafe is now reviewing its methodology, having suspended the ranking as of June 2025.

 

Frasco highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that despite HelloSafe's retraction, the report continues to spread internationally. She emphasised the need for transparency in global rankings, which significantly influence public perceptions and the tourism sector.

 

This flawed portrayal has undermined years of efforts by the government and private sector to promote the Philippines as a "safe and welcoming" destination. Frasco stated the reputational damage caused by the misleading report is significant and distorts public perception.

 

Other tourism bodies, including the Philippine Hotel Owners Association and Pacific Asia Travel Association, have joined in criticising the report. They've collectively described it as "misleading" and called for its complete withdrawal.

 

The DOT remains vigilant in monitoring how the Philippines is depicted in global travel reports and rankings. The tourism sector's momentum is crucial, and such incidents underscore the importance of responsible reporting.

 

In light of these events, the broader community within the Philippines is keen to see responsible and accurate representations that reflect the true spirit of the nation. As tourism plays a critical role in the economy, maintaining a positive and accurate international image is paramount.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from PhilStar 2025-07-18

 

 

[spidermike007]

I'm not sure if it could truly be ranked as the least safe, there are likely countries that are more dangerous. But I do have friends who live in the Philippines and they tell me that they have to keep their eyes open constantly, and that crime is quite rampant, both opportunistic crime on the street, violent crime and breaking and entering. I feel infinitely safer here than I would there. 

 

The secondary issue according to people that are quite knowledgeable is that the average Philippine guy tends to have some real talent when it comes to street fighting, many know martial arts, many are very good with sticks and knives, so trying to defend yourself against your typical street thug is not going to be an easy task, unless you're a talented and well trained fighter. 

 

No thanks. I have been there a few times, and consider most of the PI to be quite similar to one huge Tijuana. 

[Watawattana]

5 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

I'm not sure if it could truly be ranked as the least safe, there are likely countries that are more dangerous. But I do have friends who live in the Philippines and they tell me that they have to keep their eyes open constantly, and that crime is quite rampant, both opportunistic crime on the street, violent crime and breaking and entering. I feel infinitely safer here than I would there. 

 

The secondary issue according to people that are quite knowledgeable is that the average Philippine guy tends to have some real talent when it comes to street fighting, many know martial arts, many are very good with sticks and knives, so trying to defend yourself against your typical street thug is not going to be an easy task, unless you're a talented and well trained fighter. 

 

No thanks. I have been there a few times, and consider most of the PI to be quite similar to one huge Tijuana. 

I've been to the Philippines 5 times.  Never had a second's trouble, suffered any criminal act nor have I seen any.  Places I've been to include Manila, Taal, Cebu, Kalibo and Palawan, and not in the safety of a tourist hotel in a secured compound.  I felt significantly less safe in my 3 times visiting South Africa and my once to Brazil.

 

But it's obvious from being to the Philippines, compared to Thailand, that security is taken far more seriously by locals in terms of locking things, fencing, secured windows, guards at shops with guns etc.  That's obviously all done for a reason and not for fun.

 

Regarding your 2nd paragraph, I can corroborate that.

[proton]

Mugging attempt  in Manila about 9.30 on a Sunday morning, never again. GF was there to sort out her brothers funeral- killed by Muslim kidnappers, horrible country.

[BexMan]

First went there when I married in 1986. On the return journey from our honeymoon our locked luggage was put at the back of the bus behind the back seats. During the journey, someone with a knife cut through the luggage and took money and passports. Ironically we put these items in the luggage because we were worried about bag snatchers pinching the small bags we were carrying. All sorts of problems, with the police wanting a little sweetener to provide us with the necessary crime report, to take to the embassy for a replacement passport to be processed.

Been there 10 times since and walked many miles around Manila, Cebu and Danao, but never encountered any problems. Although I was wary about walking in some of the sketchy areas.

[Watawattana]

5 hours ago, Watawattana said:

I've been to the Philippines 5 times.  Never had a second's trouble, suffered any criminal act nor have I seen any.  Places I've been to include Manila, Taal, Cebu, Kalibo and Palawan, and not in the safety of a tourist hotel in a secured compound.  I felt significantly less safe in my 3 times visiting South Africa and my once to Brazil.

 

But it's obvious from being to the Philippines, compared to Thailand, that security is taken far more seriously by locals in terms of locking things, fencing, secured windows, guards at shops with guns etc.  That's obviously all done for a reason and not for fun.

 

Regarding your 2nd paragraph, I can corroborate that.

An additional point on this. I saw a post on Facebook that I thought is relevant. 
 

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AdaEpk3Qt/?mibextid=wwXIfr

 

 

[Magictoad]

It's a bit dodgy 

[Magictoad]

12 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

I'm not sure if it could truly be ranked as the least safe, there are likely countries that are more dangerous. But I do have friends who live in the Philippines and they tell me that they have to keep their eyes open constantly, and that crime is quite rampant, both opportunistic crime on the street, violent crime and breaking and entering. I feel infinitely safer here than I would there. 

 

The secondary issue according to people that are quite knowledgeable is that the average Philippine guy tends to have some real talent when it comes to street fighting, many know martial arts, many are very good with sticks and knives, so trying to defend yourself against your typical street thug is not going to be an easy task, unless you're a talented and well trained fighter. 

 

No thanks. I have been there a few times, and consider most of the PI to be quite similar to one huge Tijuana. 

:The secondary issue according to people that are quite knowledgeable is that the average Philippine guy tends to have some real talent when it comes to street fighting, many know martial arts, many are very good with sticks and knives, so trying to defend yourself against your typical street thug is not going to be an easy task, unless you're a talented and well trained fighter. "

 

Sounds like you are describing Thailand and the Thais!

[lamyai3]

From the title I thought it was going to say least safe country in Southeast Asia, which is quite plausible. Surprised though to see it was declared least safe in the world which is highly unlikely to be true. 

[novacova]

On 7/18/2025 at 6:33 PM, snoop1130 said:

Controversy as Philippines Ranked 'Least Safe';

…due to hazardous food.

[HappyExpat57]

I've been a number of times, basically Puerto Galera for scuba. It's a tough commute - you fly in, grab a nasty van ride to a boat that finally gets you there. Well worth the trip for the diving. I saw a pair of male cuttlefish fighting over a female, the show was spectacular!

 

I have a friend from the Philippines and she warned me about ever going too far to the north or south islands. Whities were not welcome.

[thesetat]

Am disturbed that nowadays if you do not like what is said online, you can have it removed so easily. Opinions and/or truth seems to not matter anymore. Just like you are not allowed to give a bad rating to a hotel in Thailand lest they sue you and charge you with a crime for it. It does not matter if it is true or not. But if it affects your business or other peoples decisions about you, then you are wrong. The world has gone too far down the rabbit hole with this. Even countries cannot accept maybe they have a problem making it unsafe to travel to. 

[spidermike007]

10 hours ago, Magictoad said:

:The secondary issue according to people that are quite knowledgeable is that the average Philippine guy tends to have some real talent when it comes to street fighting, many know martial arts, many are very good with sticks and knives, so trying to defend yourself against your typical street thug is not going to be an easy task, unless you're a talented and well trained fighter. "

 

Sounds like you are describing Thailand and the Thais!

Not true. Very few Thais are talented street fighters and there are likely even fewer that are truly talented when it comes to handling sticks, improvised weapons and knives, like the men of the PI. 

[grumpyoldman]

Been to the Philippines a dozen times. I think no matter where you are in the world there are going to be places within the country/city where your odds of running into crime are going to be higher. i.e. would not be walking around Compton (city in LA), at 9:30AM on a Sunday.

 

As busy as Boracay is, I still love it, never had a crime issue. Diving in Puerto Galera last March, huge fun. Nacphan Beach El Nido, Port Barton, Makati have never had any safety issues. But I believe that is because they keep the tourist areas safer, other parts of Manila for sure are dodgy.

[wavodavo]

On 7/19/2025 at 6:53 PM, proton said:

Mugging attempt  in Manila about 9.30 on a Sunday morning, never again. GF was there to sort out her brothers funeral- killed by Muslim kidnappers, horrible country.

I had a similar episode in Malate /  c.b.d, Manila At about 1pm a yankee friend and  his wife decided to walk down to the Jolibee restuarant to get some lunch. Very busy time and I was leading the way and the others were behind me.When we got there the wife was a bit agitated and shakey and apparently as we were walking a local came up behind her husband a pulled out a big knife and was gonna use it.This lady was an ex- bargirl and street smart and knocked it out  of his hand . I had no idea what had happened. It sent a bit of a chill down my spine.  Life is much cheaper in P.I. than Thailand but that was the only issue that I have had in about 20 trips. It's just like anywhere  you just have to have your wits about you at all times but I feel a lot safer in Thailand.